The Gold Coast Show will have a new home next year after the Show Society and the Gold Coast Turf Club agreed on a plan to develop a new showground and facilities at the Club’s Bundall precinct.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey was delighted that both parties reached an amicable arrangement for a new-look event at brand new premises.

“A masterplan for the new showgrounds, prepared by international urban design consultants Populous, featured a multi-million dollar exhibition hall, show ring, woodchop arena and extensive infrastructure,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The Newman Government has funded the master planning process in recognition that this is a major cultural and economic event for the Gold Coast.

“The need for a new home for the show was created after the current show site had to be vacated to make way for athletes’ accommodation for the Commonwealth Games.

“The Gold Coast is the big winner, with the community getting two newly-developed precincts at the athlete’s village and the new showgrounds, which will add to the social and economic vibrancy of our city.”

The Show Society and Turf Club are now working towards project completion in time for the 2014 show, to be held on Friday August 29.

Work over the coming weeks will further develop the master plan and settle the State Government’s contribution to these works.

Show Society President Dennis Standfield said the masterplan was outstanding.

“The exhibition hall will be great for the show as well as other users during the rest of the year, and will go some way to replacing community facilities lost due to the move from Parklands,” Mr Standfield said.

Gold Coast Turf Club Chairman Brett Cook welcomed the show society’s support for the masterplan.

“This is a landmark decision, not just for those involved, but the Gold Coast as a whole as our Bundall precinct is ideal as the new, permanent home for the show,” Mr Cook said.

“Minister Stuckey’s decision to fund the master planning process, that has been undertaken in close cooperation with the show society in recent months, has produced a great outcome.

“Construction of new show facilities would be very compatible with the turf club’s current redevelopment, which is scheduled for completion in November.”

Construction of the new show facilities is due to begin early in the new year with works to be completed in time for the 2014 Gold Coast Show.